Jiang Qiong Er Illuminates Saint-Eustache Facade with Monumental Light Installation

This autumn, the west facade of the Église Saint-Eustache in Paris hosts a monumental installation by Franco-Chinese artist Jiang Qiong Er. The work occupies four 4.5-meter niches on the church's west front, which was restored in 2024. It is free to view from the street and lights up after nightfall. Rather than depicting faces, Jiang chose symbols for saints tied to the site and Paris: a crown of thorns for Saint Louis, a stag's antlers for Saint Eustache, and a lamb for Saint Agnes. Saint Geneviève is discovered inside the church, in her chapel. "A symbol can be more universal than a face," Jiang explains. Trained in ink and calligraphy with Shanghai masters before attending the École des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, the artist makes light her subject, exploring connections between the material and immaterial. Though her name remains discreet in France, her career is notable: she founded the maison Shang Xia with Hermès in 2009. Her works are held by the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, and the Musée Guimet invited her in 2024 for the 60th anniversary of France-China diplomatic relations. The installation runs from October 8, 2026 until spring 2027 at 146 rue Rambuteau, 75001 Paris, near Les Halles metro station. Visible from the street and illuminated at night, it is free to the public.